Liverpool FC is at the forefront of a pioneering initiative to promote healthier environments inside football grounds.

As well as reaching out into local communities, the club has been spreading the message about healthy living across Europe through the 'Healthy Stadia' programme.

Working with Heart of Mersey - England's largest coronary heart disease prevention charity - since 2005, the background to this programme is the idea that healthy stadia are those that promote the health of visitors, fans, players, employees and the surrounding community and are places where people can go to have a positive healthy experience playing or watching sport.

In addition to his work with Action for Health, Mark Haig has also been acting on behalf of LFC and Heart of Mersey to promote the concept of Healthy Stadia. He has given presentations at stadiums including the San Siro in Milan, Sevilla's Sánchez Pizjuán stadium and Helsinki's Finnair Stadium, 'a shrine to Sami Hyypia,' says Reds fan Haig.

"Liverpool as a club were fully supportive of the Healthy Stadia project from early days and embraced the concept with tangible actions," he explains.

"For example, staff at the club have been given the opportunity to have an annual Healthworks health check.

"Healthier food options have been made available in the staff canteen and on the conferencing and banqueting menus. The club intranet carries monthly health themes and information ranging from posture to healthy menus."

He also reveals how Liverpool Football Club's name has been used to raise the profile of the Healthy Stadia project. "The Heart of Mersey Stadia programme is currently working right across Europe with 36 partners on board.

"Every time I mentioned what Liverpool are doing, other clubs wanted to be part of it."

"The fact that LFC were actively involved and supportive of the Healthy Stadia programme certainly encouraged other stadia across Europe to see benefits in being part of this exciting programme.

"Stadia such as Sevilla FC, Galway FC, the Olympic Sports Stadia Riga and the national Finnair Stadium in Helsinki have agreed health promoting action plans." To date, Liverpool FC has taken part in a baseline audit, carried out a staff survey, expanded healthy eating options for staff and visitors while also developing a 'give Yourself the 5 Star Treatment' poster for the stadium.

You will also find a Healthy Stadia section on the club's website that includes players' diets and healthy lifestyle messages.

The club's work will be showcased at a European Healthy Stadia conference to be held in Liverpool on 21st September 2009.